Onychogryphosis

Onychogryphosis is a hypertrophic condition of the nail plate. Onychogryphosis causes the nail plate to grow exceedingly long and thick and is often referred to as “Ram’s horn nails”. Generally this condition is seen in the elderly population and is due to failure to properly trim the nail plate over time. However, onychogryphosis can also be a result of peripheral vascular disorders and/or trauma to the nail matrix or plate. Onychogryphosis can cause a great deal of discomfort and difficulties fitting into shoes and for daily activities. This is a condition that should be addressed by a Podiatrist for proper treatment of the nail, and recommendations on how to avoid onychohryphosis in the future. 

Dr. Michael Garvin of Port Saint Lucie Florida has been treating Onychogryphosis and many other conditions of the foot and ankle and is accepting new patients. Don’t hesitate to contact one of Dr. Garvin’s offices in the Port Saint Lucie area here. 

• PORT ST. LUCIE EAST OFFICE: 1791 SE Port Saint Lucie Blvd., Port St. Lucie, Florida 34952 Phone: 772-335-7171
• ST. LUCIE WEST OFFICE: 150 SW Chamber Court, Suite 101, Port St. Lucie, Florida 34986 Phone: 772-871-6020

**The picture above is an example of Onychogryphosis

Plantar Fasciitis (Heel Spurs)

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of soft, connective tissue that spans from the calcaneus or heel of the foot, to the ball of the foot (metatarsal heads). Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. It is sometimes also referred to as Heel Spur Syndrome (HSS). There are 3 bands to the plantar fascia, or plantar aponeurosis. Most commonly the central band of the plantar aponeurosis is the culprit of pain due to it becoming inflammed. The causes of inflammation are diverse and can be due to a variety of abnormalities in gait and behavior. The most common cause in the average population is excessive pronation of the foot during walking and/or running. The plantar fascia acts to passively stabilize the arch of the foot, and also assists in propulsion during walking and running. Due to its frequency of use during daily activities (climbing stairs, walking, squatting down on the balls of your feet, etc) it is prone to becoming inflammed in some individuals. A very common complaint seen with plantar fasciitis is pain experienced after periods of inactivity, or rest (Post-static dyskinesia). It also generally continues to worsen throughout the day. 

Plantar fasciitis is a condition that can make daily life difficult and painful. If this sounds like a current or past issue please visit Dr. Michael Garvin’s website for additional information.

Dr. Michael Garvin has been practicing in the Port St. Lucie Florida area for years and utilizes minimally invasive methods to treat and alleviate plantar fasciitis. Call his East or West offices in Port St. Lucie at 772-335-7171, or 772-871-6020, respectively.

 

*The image above illustrates the plantar fascia being strained during propulsion

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition that arises due to compression of the tibial nerve. This nerve runs under the medial malleolus. The compression is due to swelling of soft tissue structures that impede upon the nerve, and crowd it. This causes the nerve to become irritated and can cause shooting pain, tingling, numbness and other symptoms anywhere from the inside of the ankle to the bottom (plantar surface) of the foot. The onset of tarsal tunnel syndrome is often insidious, but occasionally can be sudden as well. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is very fundamentally similar to carpal tunnel syndrome (occurs in the forearm/wrist) and can be caused by a variety of foot and biomechanical issues such as flat feet, ankle sprains, systemic diseases and more.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a serious condition and should not be neglected. Permanent nerve damage can take place if not properly treated in a timely manner.

If you live on or near the Treasure Coast area and are experiencing symptoms such as these, consider scheduling an appointment with Dr. Michael Garvin. He has treated tarsal tunnel syndrome and other podiatric conditions for years in Port Saint Lucie, Florida.

*The picture above depicts the structures involved in Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Onychocryptosis (Ingrown Toenails)

Ingrown toenails are medically known as onychocryptosis, and are a common condition that may occur when the sides or corners of the nail plate dig into the surrounding skin. This will generally cause the affected skin to become red, swollen and tender. Bacterial infections will often follow ingrown toenails due to the nature of the location and certain improper behaviors such as clipping toenails with dirty clippers. Onychocryptosis can be caused by a variety of factors such as rounding the corners or edges of the toenail plate and trimming too short. Also irregular foot structure and biomechanics, excessively tight shoegear, and fungal infections may all be catalysts for onychocryptosis.

The good news is onychocryptosis is a simple condition to treat and Podiatrists like Dr. Michael Garvin are very experienced and competent in getting patients back on their feet pain free. For further information regarding ingrown toenails please visit Dr. Garvin’s website here।

**The picture above is an example of an ingrown toenail